Tooth decay is a form of tooth decay that, if not treated promptly, can lead to much bigger dental and oral problems, such as pain that is difficult to tolerate. Are you currently experiencing it? Try reading this article to find out how to effectively relieve the pain of cavities!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. See a dentist
The best way to treat pain due to cavities is to see a doctor. After that, the doctor will examine the condition of the teeth and may order X-rays to diagnose dental problems more accurately. This step needs to be done to find out the most appropriate treatment method for the condition of your teeth.
Filling teeth is the most common method of treating cavities. If your tooth is infected or inflamed, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent more serious complications
Step 2. Take over-the-counter drugs
If your teeth or gums hurt from cavities, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin.
- Always follow the dosage instructions listed on the medicine package!
- Make sure the aspirin doesn't melt in your mouth to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
Step 3. Use the gel to numb your teeth
Apply the gel around the cavities for temporary pain relief. Generally, gel products to temporarily numb the nerves of the teeth contain benzocaine (a local anesthetic). Therefore, try rubbing it on the gums with the help of your fingers or a cotton bud. Do not swallow the gel and wipe off any remaining gel in your mouth.
- Read and follow the instructions on the gel pack to find out the proper dosage and usage pattern.
- Remember, the volume of your saliva will definitely increase after the gel is applied. In addition, your tongue will temporarily numb. Therefore, it's best not to speak until the gel effect wears off so you don't accidentally bite your tongue.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Toothache at Home
Step 1. Clean the cavities
If the pain persists after you eat, the most likely cause is food debris that has accumulated in the cavities. To relieve the pain, gargle with warm water. After that, use a toothpick to remove all the remaining food from the hole in the tooth. Remember, do this process very carefully!
Do not insert the toothpick too deep to prevent further injury to your teeth or gums
Step 2. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water is one of the most effective ways to relieve tooth and gum pain, especially since the mixture of water and salt can reduce acidity in the gums, which can cause pain and irritation.
Mix 1 tbsp. salt with a glass of warm water; stir until the salt is dissolved. Gargle with the solution and make sure the mouthwash touches the painful area
Step 3. Use an ice pack
Another way to relieve pain from cavities is to use an ice pack. To make this, try wrapping a few whole (or crushed) ice cubes in a towel, balloon, or latex glove, then applying a compress to the area where it hurts. Do this only if your teeth are not sensitive to cold temperatures!
- Ice cube compresses can also be placed on the facial skin around the painful area.
- If you are reluctant to make your own, you can buy cold compresses at various pharmacies or large stores.
- Make sure the ice cubes are wrapped in a towel or cloth before use.
- Compress the sore area for 10-15 minutes. After that, remove the compress and let your skin temperature return to normal.
Step 4. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is able to kill bad bacteria that has accumulated while cleaning the area of cavities to reduce the potential for infection. Use hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 3% to gargle for one minute.
- After that, throw out the mouthwash and make sure you don't swallow it!
- Do not apply this method for more than five days in a row so that the teeth do not become sensitive.
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Medicines
Step 1. Apply the natural ingredient extract on the painful area
One effective way to relieve pain due to cavities is to apply extracts of natural ingredients such as vanilla, almond, mint, or lemon on the painful area. Try soaking a cotton swab in the extract of your choice, then applying it to the affected area for ten minutes.
If you want, you can also apply natural extracts to your teeth using your fingertips
Step 2. Use essential oils
Several types of essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can provide instant pain relief. For example, try using sunflower oil, sesame oil, oregano oil, nutmeg oil, clove oil, or tea tree oil to relieve the pain of cavities.
- Try mixing a few drops of the oil with enough water, then use it to gargle. In addition, you can also apply the oil to the affected tooth or gum area with the help of a cotton swab or fingertip.
- Try soaking a cotton swab in an essential oil of your choice (especially clove oil), and then using it to compress cavities. Make sure the oil does not come into contact with any part of the body other than the mouth as it can potentially cause irritation.
- Don't swallow the essential oil you're using!
Step 3. Chew the leaves
Mint leaves and plantain (processed bananas) contain anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain in your teeth and gums. To relieve the pain of cavities, put the leaf of your choice in your mouth and chew for a few minutes until the juices come out. After that, transfer the remaining leaves to the tooth or gum that hurts and let stand for 15 minutes.
- If you wish, you can also use dried mint leaves or even mint tea.
- Plantain leaves can actually be found anywhere (especially in the yard) and are very rich in healing properties that are beneficial for your body. In addition, plantain leaves are also easy to identify because of their long and slender shape with a leaf bone that rises vertically in the middle.
Step 4. Treat the painful area with orange juice
In fact, you can use the medicines that are in the refrigerator to relieve toothache, you know! Some of them are lemons and limes which are very rich in citric acid, vitamin C, and antibacterial properties so that they are effective in reducing pain due to cavities.
Slice a lemon or lime and bite until the juices come out. Place the lemon or lime juice on the sore tooth or gum area
Step 5. Gargle with apple cider vinegar
Did you know that apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural remedy because of its antimicrobial properties? If you want, you can also use it to relieve a toothache that strikes! To make it, try mixing 60 ml of warm water with 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, then use it to gargle for 30-60 seconds. Make sure all parts of the teeth and gums are exposed to the mouthwash, yes!
- After that, discard the mouthwash and repeat the same process for two to three times. After three gargles with apple cider vinegar, rinse the inside of your mouth with warm water.
- The process of gargling with apple cider vinegar you can do three to four times a day. However, make sure you don't swallow the liquid!
- Do not apply this method for more than four days in a row. Remember, vinegar contains acetic acid, which can erode the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth), especially if you brush your teeth after rinsing.
Step 6. Chew the garlic, onion, or ginger
All three are known to have antimicrobial properties that are effective in relieving toothache. If you want to use this method, try placing a small piece of garlic, onion, or ginger directly on the tooth or gum that hurts and biting slowly until the onion or ginger juice comes out. After that, your gums should be numb so the pain will subside.
Step 7. Try using asafetida paste
Asafetida is one type of plant that is known to be rich in antimicrobial properties and is commonly used as traditional medicine in the Middle East region. Interested in treating a toothache that hit with asafetida paste? To make it, try mixing in tsp. asafetida powder with fresh lemon juice to taste; mix well until a paste is formed with a consistency that is not too thick and can be easily applied to sore gums and teeth. Leave it for five minutes before rinsing it clean.
- Gargle with water to wash the paste off your teeth and gums.
- Apply asafetida paste at least two to three times a day.
